Criterion add some impressive supplements. In a 12-minute interview from 2007 (also found on the Masters of Cinema DVD) co-writer Jacques Champreux recalls collaborating with direct or Franju on his 1963 film, which was a remake of the 1916 serial of the same name (reviewed HERE on DVD), directed by Champreux's grandfather Louis Feuillade. There is also an 11-minute interview from 2012 with actor Francine Bergé, who played Diana in Judex. It was recorded for the Cinematheque francaise in Paris. Franju le visionnaire, a fifty-minute program from 1998 directed by André S. Labarthe on Georges Franju’s career, featuring interviews with Franju and clips from his better-known films. It was originally broadcast as part of the French television series Cinema, de notre temps. Also included are two short films by Franju. Hôtel des Invalides runs 22-minutes from 1951. It is a short anti-war documentary about the Paris military complex of the title which includes a hospital turned museum and burial site. The film is narrated by actor Michel Simon and a museum tour guide, and features music by composer Maurice Jarre and images by cinematographer Marcel Fradetal, both of whom worked on Judex. The second short is Le grand Méliès from 1952 - running 1/2 hour. It is a biographical film about the cinematic illusionist Georges Méliès. It features Méliès widow, Jeanne d'Alcy, as herself, and their son, Andre, as his father. Le grand Méliès, like Franju's Louise Feuillade tribute, Judex, is a revealing homage to one of tmhe director's idols. The package also has liner notes with an essay by critic Geoffrey O’Brien, along with a selection of commentary by Franju and being dual-format - has a DVD with all the features of the Blu-ray.

A Fabulous package by Criterion - such a wonderful fantasy film wrapped up in homage and subtle details. The Blu-ray offers a perfect digital presentation with plenty of worthy extras. I love this film - and this has our strongest recommendation!

***

NOTE (August 2008): UK correspondent for DVDBeaver, Henry Kedger, has offered to review the Masters of Cinema's Judex/Nuits Rouges DVD set. He has sent us some captures and comments below.

Gary Tooze

***

ON THE DVD: Firstly, thanks again to Gary for the opportunity to supply some information to the DVDBeaver community on this new Masters of Cinema package. I found the Franju films a new, and enjoyable experience!

This is a two disc affair with the first being the 1963 Judex - an homage/remake of the iconic Louis Feuillade 1916 serial. The Masters of Cinema DVD is anamorphically enhanced in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio, progressively transferred - residing on a dual-layered disc (taking up 7.44 GB.) It looks good but not pristine - which is actually more suitable to the silent-era homage sparking references that were constantly reminding me of Les Vampires or Fantomas. Franju's Judex is 45 years old now although the PAL image can look remarkably strong even if contrast can be slightly muddy at times. I loved all the Feuillade markers in both films with costumes, 'healthy' women, an intricate plot and a general emphasis on obtaining justice against wrongdoings. Franju's use of intertitles help evoke that aura in Judex.

Disc two has Nuits Rouges. The transfer is also in 1.66 and progressive but it is not 16X9 enhanced. Colors are wonderful and the image can appear extremely sharp. I should note that I am no expert on edge-enhancement and Gary could chip in once he receives his DVD(s). The film was made in 1973 but it didn't have the same appeal for me as Judex. Despite lack of anamorphic enhancement the image projected is an appealing visual presentation.

On the French mono audio - Judex had some inconsistencies in the sound department - perhaps reflecting its age. Nuits Rouges seemed stronger but had some background hiss although neither inferiority hindered my enjoyment. Optional English subtitles are available for both features.

Extras - Supplements sport two separate interviews (one per disc) with Jacques Champreux who is Louis Feuillade's grandson. They total about 20 minutes where he talks about Franju and his memories of the making of the films. Typical for masters of Cinema they include a healthy 40-page booklet with illustrations and interviews. It's a wonderful keepsake addition (as are all their liner notes booklets.)

Over the past couple of years I've really come to treasure my Masters of Cinema DVD collection (although, unlike Gary, I don't have all of them). Judex/Nuits Rouges is another entertaining addition and I'd never have seen these films if not for their coverage.  

Henry Kedger